10" Asian Dobs:Extinction Event?

I see Oneil photo is reporting Antares won't be selling their 10" dobs anymore and only the 8" and 12" sizes will be available. Oneil says the 10" models were slow sellers and the 8" and 12" sizes are easier to move around and offer more bang for the buck. I have to disagree with that, I like the 10" size and I find it to be portable with good results on many DSOs. In fact, I've got two mirrors for my 10" asian dob and I swamp them back and forth with relative ease.
Let's hear it for the 10" dobs!

One wants to ask the obvious question... why do you
swap between two mirrors in your telescope?

Hi Rod,
I too have a 10" DOB with a ZOC mirror and I love the size.

Rod Kaufman said:

I see Oneil photo is reporting Antares won't be selling their 10" dobs anymore and only the 8" and 12" sizes will be available. Oneil says the 10" models were slow sellers and the 8" and 12" sizes are easier to move around and offer more bang for the buck. I have to disagree with that, I like the 10" size and I find it to be portable with good results on many DSOs. In fact, I've got two mirrors for my 10" asian dob and I swamp them back and forth with relative ease.
Let's hear it for the 10" dobs!

Rod:

Doesn't make sense to me. I have 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch, 12.5 inch and 16 inch DOBs. If I were to keep just one, the 10 inch F/5would be most likely simply because it is such a great combination of portability and performance.

Jon

To those I know, the 10" choice was more of a cost issue that size. For me, the 12" was a no brainer, in fact my plans are to upsize. If Meade (lightbridge)can produce and provide a usable product, the 16" should be a good seller.

At 65, the 12" dob is still handled with ease. For moving distances a $26 hand cart; for moving in and out of van, a free modified firewood caddy.

Attached Image:

The portability difference between a 10" and 12" is not just getting it to/from home and an observing site, but relocating it within a site. I.E. if you're like me, you have to move around your yard in order to see different parts of the sky because of trees, lights, etc.

I can lift my 10" XTi in one piece so to speak; couldn't do that with the 12" XTi. Why not use a handcart you ask? If you saw how much stuff is stored in my garage, you wouldn't need to ask.